About the NHC

The Netherlands Helsinki Committee is a non-governmental organization that promotes human rights, the rule of law and justice in all countries of wider Europe, including Eastern Europe, Western Balkans, Caucasus and Central Asia as well asthe European Union. Building on ourtrack record of nearly 40 years, NHC considers it to be their mission to inspire, engage and support catalysts of change in building just and rights-respecting societies.

NHC believes that everybody can be a catalyst of change, and they are ready to support them by strengthening their capacities and by amplifying their voices through advocacy and campaigns. Our networks reach out to civil society, governments as well as the justice chain. They are able to mobilise the right peer-to-peer expertise and build bridges to bring about the change we need.

The NHC office is located in heart of The Hague at the vibrant Nutshuis and has an international staff (about 15 people) working on topics of Human Rights Defence, Integrity and Accountability and Rights-Based Justice. The NHC also administers the Security and Human Rights Monitor (SHRM), a multifaceted online platform that provides analysis on the work of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), as well as on security and human rights challenges stemming from the OSCE region and beyond.

About the role

The Security and Human Rights Intern will assist in managing activities for the Human Rights Defence (HRD) and Integrity and Accountability (IA) programmes, as well as the Security and Human Rights Monitor (SHRM) of the Netherlands Helsinki Committee.

NHC is looking for an intern to join their team for a period of 4-6 months. Ideally, there will be a project-based component to thisinternship, the topic of which can be agreed upon together with your supervisor.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the production of an academic journal for the Security and Human Rights Monitor through: o Initial assessments of submitted articles; o Coordination with authors and reviewers to ensure steady progression towards publication of articles; o Publication through InDesign and WordPress, and coordination with journal indexing bodies such as Crossref; and o Continuing the archiving process of the Journal.
• Assist in communications for the NHC and Security and Human Rights Monitor, including designing reports, updating website and social media content, writing newsletters, assisting in organising (online) events, and administrative support.;
• Aid in event coordination and support for the HRD and IA programmes, including supporting the IA team in facilitating the MATRA Rule of Law trainings;
• Communicate with partners and other relevant parties; and
• Support the development of external networks.

Preferred Qualifications and skills:

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Bachelor or Master degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences, or related degree;
• Excellent social media skills;
• Great eye for detail and organisational skills;
• Excellent command of the English language (Dutch language an asset)
• Demonstrated affinity with civil society work or activism for social change (awareness of recent OSCE and human rights trends and developments an asset);
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment and switch between tasks;
• Self-sufficiency, resourcefulness, initiative and hands-on mentality;
• Strong communication skills and inter-cultural sensitivity.
• Experience with academic publishing, WordPress, and Indesign an asset

The NHC is an equal opportunities employer and committed to building a culturally diverse staff. They promote diversity and belonging in everything they do and they invite in particular candidates with backgroundsthat are currently under-represented in the human rights movement to apply.

The internship includes a small stipend of €400/ month, based on a 32 hours/week schedule. Apply If you are interested, please send your resume and a short motivation letter via Smartsheet (please click the Apply Now button). Candidates may apply until (and including) 20 August 2026.

NHC will aim to conduct the (online) interviews in the week of 31 August. A short writing/skills assessment might be part of the interview, and would be discussed beforehand. The preferred start date is September 15.

Non-EU candidates need to have a valid work permit to be considered for this role. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Due to the high volume of applications they receive, they are unable to provide individual feedback to candidates that are not shortlisted.